Category: Newsletter

June 2017 update

Auction running 6-13 July: Diary of Hyacinth and Minerva up for sale.

SS Mendi bell handed in by unknown person.
Article from the SA Daily Maverick on the dialogues of the drowned of the SS Mendi

A memorial was unveiled in Brixton, London in memory of African and Caribbean men who served in World War 1. The King’s African Rifles and East African Force Association was involved. BBC report

As soon as information is available regarding the 25 November 2018 commemoration events in Mbala/Abercorn, it will be posted on this site. Arrangements are being made in Zambia – with various logistics needing to be organised. From what I have heard so far, it’s going to be good.

There’s a new article by Harry Fecitt on the 2/3 KAR in German East Africa. You can see it and other articles by Harry and GWAA members here.
Ana Paula Pires has an article on The First World War in Portuguese East Africa: Civilian and Military Encounters in the Indian Ocean

For members who read German, Michael Pesek has posted some new topics recently. This one is on Lake Kivu ops, German Governor Schnee’s declaration and Lettow’s recollections in 1922
Michael has also shared a link to a French film with English subtitles about the war in Africa – Black and White in Colour (1976). It was filmed in the Ivory Coast. Loved the bagpipes.

Account of the battle of Nyanza

Visual of where Indian troops served

May 2017 update

A number of GWAA members are presenting at the World War 1 & Africa: conference on 2 June in Sittingbourne. It will be good to see others at the event if you have some time to spare.

Ed Yorke has reviewed Guerrillas of Tsavo by James Willson (available to purchase through GWAA or from James direct).

The story of a man who served on Lake Victoria during World War 1 – thanks to @Gillyflower

From Tim Wright re Vic Falls memorial (Zambia)
GWAA members may be concerned to know that Northern Rhodesia’s World War I memorial at Victoria Falls is in need of repair. The memorial bears the names of 78 Europeans connected with the Territory who died on war service in Africa and other theatres. I attach details as far as I have been able to ascertain of all 78. It will be seen that several of those who met their deaths on the Western Front had earlier served in the campaigns in East or South-West Africa. Fallen Africans are commemorated but not named on this memorial.

The memorial does not belong to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission so it will not pay for its repair. However it has furnished the name of a suitable contractor who has quoted £5,700 for the necessary work, his food and accommodation being supplied free of charge by Peter Jones, a Livingstone businessman who is most anxious to see the repairs effected and brought the matter to the attention of Brigadier David Williams, President of the King’s African Rifles and East African Forces Association who is handling collection of funds in UK through the accounts of his association which will be well known to many GWAA members.

Anyone who wishes to contribute to this work should contact David Williams . As Chairman of the Northern Rhodesia Police Association I shall be proposing at our AGM in mid-May that we make a donation. I have written to three people I happen to know are related to persons named on the memorial and will be writing to other organisations with a Zambian or Northern Rhodeisa connexion. The Northern Rhodesia Police war memorial, in Livingstone, bearing the names of both European and African members of the Force who fell on active service, remains I am relieved to hear, in good condition.

April 2017 Update

Things have been a little quiet recently. Here’s the latest…

Library of Congress has made newspaper articles on World War 1 available. Some mention Africa.

SA Naval Museum has a photo display on SS Mendi
South African documentary on SS Mendi

Michelle Moyd discusses her book Violent Intermediaries

A new online book about a South African serving in Europe.

Heritage funded projects looking at World War 1 Africa
Away from the Western Front
Includes GWAA’s Medical project around the Pike Report.
To get involved, contact Anne
For more about AFTWF

Breaking the Myths: World War 1 and Africa
Diversity House is working in Sittingbourne and Maidstone areas to work with local schools and the community to acknowledge the African contribution to World War 1, including local experiences and trauma.
More about Breaking the Myths
Diversity House is issuing a series of podcasts (oral histories) on aspects of World War 1 in Africa.
If you have a story to contribute, please contact Diversity House.

They also served: Uncovering the experiences of African and Caribbean servicemen during the Great War
Churches Together is working with Midlands African and Caribbean churches and wider communities.
Contact: Project Manager, Dr Angelina Osborne